Northern Vietnam Countryside Adventure – 3 days

Day 1: HANOI to GIAO XUAN via Co Le (Lunch) 

Our adventure begins first thing, with a meet and greet by your local English speaking guide, who you will find at your hotel. The initial journey takes you through the rolling plains of the Red River Delta as we make our way south to the beautiful coastline of the South China Sea.

Our first stop along the way is the interesting Co Le Pagoda, just over one hour from the nation’s capital. This famous attraction is loved by locals and tourists alike and is renowned in the area for its interesting architecture. Dating from the Ly Dynasty the Pagoda will give you an insight into the cultural heritage of Buddhists in the region.

The short journey to our destination for the evening is soon over, and we arrive in the settlement of Giao Xuan just in time for a light lunch, prepared by your local hosts. Certainly an interesting point in the journey, the opportunity to spend time with a local family is a highlight for many on this tour.

Whilst you are resting and chatting your guide will be sorting out your bikes for the next part of your tour. The leisurely bike ride to the nearby marketplace will brighten your afternoon, and the ride along the local roads past small settlements will give you a sense of rural Vietnam.

Having worked up an appetite you will be glad to arrive home to a delicious feast with your host, during which you will have opportunity to talk about your day and ask about local life. If you are not too tired you will be invited to a local folk dance and singing by residents of the village, before turning in for the night.

Day 2: GIAO XUAN – NAM PHU (Breakfast, Lunch) 

You may rise in the morning not to the sounds of the scooters you may have become used to in Hanoi, but to birds and the quiet sounds of a small village stirring from a fitful sleep. After a quick breakfast to fuel you for the day we get ready to depart for the main part of our tour – the visit to the Xuan Thuy Wetlands.

A boat will be waiting for us at the Wetlands and we will board for an interesting tour along the River Tra. Along the journey your guide will point out a wide range of local wildlife, before arranging lunch for you in a very interesting spot – with a bunch of soldiers – at a local border checkpoint.

Following a refreshing break and some good food we are able to climb to the top of the local Ba Lat Lighthouse to enable us to get a view over the whole area, before meeting up with some locals who will be more than happy to show you how to fish in traditional style.

After lunch, we continue visit Ba Lat lighthouse to see the overall picture of Xuan Thuy and join the fishing activities with local people. Then we make our way to Con Vanh Beach where you will take in some spectacular views, watch little boats on the ocean or try some swimming in the refreshing waters. Tonight, we will stay in the area of Nam Phu in a local guest house, where some tasty local food will once again be provided.

Day 3: NAM PHU– HANOI (Breakfast, Lunch) 

Another good night’s sleep behind you we have a light breakfast before heading to the Thai Binh region. Here we will take in the sights and sounds of more of the Red River Delta and look at the local farmers working their fields. We break our journey with a visit to the magnificent Keo Temple, a majestic example of local architecture. Following that we have the opportunity to visit the Bonsai Village where you can marvel at the masterpieces created from these interesting plants, before finishing our journey back in Hanoi.

After the lunch, we drive back to Hanoi.

Note: This Northern Vietnam Countryside Adventure 3 days will take you off the beaten path to the nontouristic region in Red River Delta to see real rural lives, you’ll experience a different world of Vietnam.

Xuan Thuy wetland area

Red River Vietnam Estuary

Mangrove in Nam Dinh Vietnam

Included 

• Round trip from Hanoi
• Experienced English speaking guide
• Accommodation
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• Entry fees
• Bicycles

Not included

• Insurance
• Tips
• Sundries and Souvenirs

What to pack 

• Sun cream
• Sung glass
• Insect spray
• Swimming suits
• Cash
• Changes of clothes